As Brits brace for the peak of cold and flu season, many are looking for remedies to combat the annual onslaught of symptoms, ranging from sore throats to blocked noses.
There’s no cure for these, but numerous ways exist to alleviate discomfort, with one everyday kitchen staple earning a spot in the limelight.
Dr Eric Berg, DC, who boasts a YouTube following of 12.7 million subscribers, has explained the virtues of salt, particularly sea salt, as an “anti-bacterial and anti-fungal” powerhouse against infections.
The keto and intermittent fasting specialist, who also wrote the bestselling book ‘The Healthy Keto Plan’, outlined the benefits of sea salt for tackling mucus on his channel.
“Salt can effectively get rid of bacteria, fungi, yeast, and mould in the body,” he said.
He continues to share how salt expels unwanted pathogens through dehydration by drawing water out of cells, reports Surrey Live.
This helps to thin mucus, making it easier to expel.
Sea salt is widely available in supermarkets, with Aldi offering a 220g pot for just 65p, while Asda sells 200g for 80p – making it an accessible hack for those battling illness.
What a healthy sinus looks like compared to an inflamed sinus (Image: Getty)
What is sinus inflammation?
Sinus inflammation, commonly called sinusitis or rhinosinusitis, occurs when the mucous membranes that line the sinuses become swollen and irritated. Symptoms can include any of the following:
- Thick nasal mucus
- A plugged nose
- Facial pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Pressure or pain in your teeth
- Ear pressure or pain
- Fever
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Cough
- Headache
Sinusitis often results from a viral infection, though bacteria or fungi can also be responsible. It may develop after experiencing a cold or dealing with allergies. This condition is quite common and typically improves within two to three weeks.
You can often treat mild sinusitis without seeing a doctor by:
- Getting plenty of rest
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Taking painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Avoiding things that trigger your allergies
- Not smoking
- Cleaning your nose with a salt water solution
How to use sea salt to help:
To eliminate mucus using salt, Dr Berg recommends dissolving a teaspoon of sea salt (not table salt) in a glass of water. Then, gargle the salt water.
“This exposes the mouth and throat to salt, which helps to get rid of mucus, improves immunity, and strengthens the autonomic nervous system,” he added.
He also suggests breathing in salt air and drinking diluted apple cider vinegar, as “this changes the pH and helps kill microbes.”
Other methods Dr Berg recommends include using a Neti pot. “Using nasal irrigation to gently send a stream of diluted salt water through your sinuses helps to thin the mucus,” he explained.
“You can also use a humidifier with a saltwater solution while you sleep. A humidifier turns liquid into vapour, allowing you to inhale the salt water. Halotherapy, or salt therapy, can also be beneficial.”
Amazon sells a variety of halotherapy salt machines. Some of the cheapest options cost £11, while the slightly more expensive versions are typically priced around £35.
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What other issues could cause mucus?
The doctor cautioned that persistent post-nasal drip may signal a fungal infection or mould encroachment in the sinuses. Cutting sugar from your diet may help, he advised.
A thorough home inspection for mould or mildew is also recommended, as it could be causing continuous mucus accumulation in the lungs.
If these strategies fail, Dr Berg suggests the culprit might be an ear infection.
In his clip, Dr Berg also highlighted a specific vitamin that bolsters the immune system and combats mucus.
“Vitamin D supports your immune system and helps prevent mucus,” he declared to his audience, linking Vitamin D shortfalls with issues such as swollen tonsils, sinus allergies, sinus mucus, and ear infections.
His recommendation included a weekly dose of 20,000 to 50,000 IU of Vitamin D to tackle excess mucus. He urged individuals to consult with their physician before attempting any self-treatment to confirm its appropriateness.
Should your sinus infection persist beyond a week or 10 days, it’s vital to seek medical attention.